Sam Cooke was very active in the Civil rights struggle. He marched with MLK in the 60's He started out singing with a famous gospel group the soul stirrers
Toby Ham Yep! Me too! I'm from Down Under and I'm white, however it always makes me cry, it's SO DEEP and beautiful! LOVE Sam Cooke's music! Take care and stay safe! From Australia.
Me.neither,even though I never experienced it,I feel for my brothers and hopefully our children can live in a world where skin color don't matter and we can uplift each other!
Yes, I was only a child then, but those songs were part of that struggle. Seemed like the whole country was struggling throughout the sixties. The Black Panthers, Eldridge Cleaver, Dr. King, Bobby Seale, and many others suffered and struggled back then. I'm glad they did.
He felt he wasn't doing enough through his music, there were people such as Bob Dylan, Joan Bias, and many other white singers who were singing about the oppression he and his people were experiencing but the people around him were telling black singers not to touch social conscious music, yet he was working on music to reflect what he was feeling. After the moment he, Cashus Clay, Malcolm X, and Jim Brown had what's now that famous conversation in the movie Regina King just directed recently. That spark him to finally do something about how he was feeling through his music publicly and not just writing about it privately. You should watch the various documentaries about him; especially The Two Killings of Sam Cooke...will blow your mind. Great details about his life and his music.
From what I remember, this was done in response to Bob Dylan’s “Blowing in the Wind.” Sam Cooke liked the song so much that he performed it himself. He felt that an African American artist should have done a song like “Blowing in the Wind,” and “A Change is Going to Come” was his contribution to the conversation.
I grew up a Sam Cooke fan at the height of his career. I was listening the night of this song's world-wide debut on a Los Angeles radio station shortly after his death. I openly cried.
One of the best singers of all time. One of the earlier civil rights related songs of this era based on his own experiences with whites-only establishments in the South. I've had his greatest hits LP for decades. Most of his songs that I'm familiar have a pop/soul sound with his gospel upbringing shining through in his voice.
ooh my favourite song by Sam cook... Hem of his garment. Sam Cook Martin Luther King, Tried to fight the establishment Malcom X Mohammid Ali. All great men.
OMG! This song ALWAYS GIVES ME instant goosebumps and I always end up with tears in my eyes! It's SO beautiful! I'm an old white lady from Down Under, however it NEVER fails to move me! Another amazing talent gone WAY too soon! I LOVE ALL if Sam Cooke's music! Chain gang is one of my favourites! Thankyou so much for reacting to this beautiful song! Please react to more of Sam's music! Greetings from Australia.
I read that Sam Cooke heard Bob Dylan's 'Blowing in the Wind' (Sam did a cover version of this on a tv show -it's on TH-cam) and said that he wished he had written it. 'A Change is Gonna Come' was Sam Cooke's response. A song truly written and sung from the heart.
I'm a child of the 50s and 60's.. this song still gives me that special feeling ..I truly get it.. like the old disc jockeys said. The best Cooke in Town.. we sadly missed out on his true potential but this song truly will grip you!
You and Sam, BOTH, brought tears to my eyes - May we gain the strength of that, which we OVERCOME~! Love that song, and my heart is so very touched by your reaction...Cheers my friend...~!
Sam’s death was one of the worst losses to music ever. He wrote his own songs. He was more of a 50s style artist who, with this song, was transitioning to be influenced by the 60s. It’s mind boggling to imagine how further blossoming of his soul music would have evolved into the 60s, 70s or even 80s!! If anyone was the black Elvis, it was Sam! But Elvis couldn’t write music. This was inspired by the march on Washington
I agree to a point, but Jackie Wilson is called Black Elvis. Jackie had great vocals & moves like nobody. There’s some great footage of Jackie messing with Sam Cooke during a recording for a tv spot singing Cha Cha Cha. It’s a shame non of these great voices grew to be old. All gone much too soon.
For sure, but Elvis wasn’t just one style but a combo. He had was the embodiment of both worlds black & white. He had the flare of expression and the grace of soulfulness. He was a combo of Dean Martin & James Brown. Sam was similar in that way, pure showman and had a great mind for the business. He was looking beyond his own voice, he was creating a path for his own legacy similar to that of Berry Gordy of Motown. Elvis had a simpler plan, he just loved to perform & sing, had the Colonel running things to a point, sad he didn’t take more control of his legacy, even though he did pretty good. What’s comes to my mind is the tragedy of these amazing entertainers taken before they’re time.
Thank you so much. This is what our people have been dealing with since being brought to this country they call, 'the land of the free & the home of the brave' America. We as African people are never free in this foreign land.
Been held close to my heart since I was an 11 year old listening to Baltimore City radio oldies stations in the 80's. Same Cooke is one of the voices of my formation
My man Sam Cooke! React to Cupid Having. A Party Bring it on Home to me You Send Me Chain Gang Just a few of his many solo hits. He started with gospel group The Soul Stirrers who had multiple years of hits.
This has been my lifetime struggle, I’m 65 now and been fighting all my life for equality for all humans. Thank you for sharing this as you admit you don’t know this song. Everyone must know especially young people .
That is one song that'll grab you and pulls you in the first time! and you never forget it! an emotion comes over you that you don't understand... but somehow you know what he's singing about! One of the greatest songs ever made!! I think I was 8 when I first heard that song.. and it forever had me some 53 years later! 8 YEARS OLD!! A baby!
Thank you so much, James, for your great reaction to this classic. I am an officer of the Sam Cooke Fan Club and have been actively involved in the group for over 16 years now. I also am the administrator of the Sam Cooke Fan Club page on FB and I am going to share a link to your video on our page because I know many of our members would really enjoy and appreciate your honest reaction. Several books have been written on the life of Sam Cooke. His musical career started in the church and he obtained his first fame through singing in two gospel groups in the early 1950's. First one was the Highway QC's; the next one was the Soul Stirrers, which was perhaps the best known gospel group at that time. Sam replaced the lead singer, RH Harris, and he toured and recorded with the Stirrers for several years before he "Crossed Over" from gospel to secular music and began his career as a solo pop artist. His hit records are too numerous to list here, but I suggest you take a listen to some of the following: "You Send Me" (his first solo pop which went all the way to #1 in 1957), "Wonderful World," "Chain Gang" (one of my favorites), "Cupid," "Bring It On Home To Me," "Another Saturday Night," and "Shake." You wanted to know the background story to this song, so here you go: In the fall of 1963, Sam was on tour in the South. On October 7, 1963, he arrived in Shreveport, LA for a show the next night. He and his party had previously made reservations by telephone at the local Holiday Inn. When he arrived at the motel, the front desk clerk took one look at him and said there were no rooms available. Sam made a stink about it and the party eventually left in their cars to go to another hotel, honking the car horn on the way out of the parking lot. (Some people claim the car horn went off accidentally due to a mechanical issue, but family members confided in me that it was an intentional act on Sam's part.) By the time Sam reached the "black hotel" in Shreveport, the police arrived and arrested him and all the members of his party (including his wife) for disturbing the peace. He bailed out of jail and performed at the show the next night, but the experience left a deep impression on him. Remember also that the March on Washington had taken place on August 28, 1963 and the Birmingham church bombing which killed four little girls occurred on Sunday, September 15, 1963. So race relations and civil rights were pressing issues in the country and all these events were fresh in his mind. Sam wrote "Change" over the next few weeks and he recorded it in the studio on Thursday, January 30, 1964. He only performed the song publicly on one occasion, and that was on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson on Friday, February 7, 1964 (which also happened to be the same day that The Beatles first arrived in New York City). Strangely, no one seems to have a tape of this performance. The first song Sam performed that night, "Basin Street Blues," does exist on film which makes this seem even more curious. I believe that the film of this performance will be found one day, perhaps in someone's garage. "Change" is the one and only song of this type that Sam ever wrote. He had been inspired by Bob Dylan, (a white folk singer) who wrote and recorded "Blowin' In The Wind," another song you should give a listen to. Sam performed this song on several occasions. Sam had commented to friends at the time that it was the type of song a black man should have written, which I'm sure also gave him motivation and inspiration to write "Change." Long post here but you wanted the background story on the song. It has been covered hundreds of times but there will never be anything close to the original. I could tell from your reaction that you felt this as well. I look forward to hearing other reactions you make of Sam's other hit records. Take care. Don Piper Secretary, Sam Cooke Fan Club
TroysPop/ spot on regarding Sam's reaction to "BLOWING IN THE WIND" and it was exactly what prompted Him to write "A CHANGE IS GONNA COME" which is understandable,given the circumstances.Cannot remember where I heard/or read,this information, [program? Album sleeve note?] but it certainly is a memorable quote,in view of inspiring Him to write "CHANGE.Another memory,where He recorded a song,using an assumed name, DALE? COOKE,but everyone knew it was Him,same situation as RAY CHARLES,[as mentioned in the movie, RAY] as many objected to taking the Gospel feel,sound,into commercial tunes.
@Troyspops. Thank you for the History Lesson. Fascinating and it is what I read. I was introduced to this song via a friend who loved it after hearing it on the Film X starring Denzel Washington. She spent months trying to get this song and eventually managed to get it. That was my introduction to this classic. This friend and I had a falling out, sadly. I met her unexpectedly in St Maarten 2019 when we were on different cruise ships although we both live in the UK. Sadly she died last March 2020 from COVID19 but this song will always remind me of her.🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽😢😢😢😢
If my memory serves me correctly, my grandmother said that this song was a response to how black entertainers were treated as they traveled performing.
Sam Cooke reaches in my chest and grabs my heart. This song is in my soul from when I was a child. Summertime Cupid (What a) wonderful world Bring it on home to me Keep movin’ on
Thanks for reacting to my suggestion. I knew that this song would have an emotional impact on you. I was 17 when this song came and has remained my favorite song of his. Sam wrote this shortly after the Civil Rights March on Washington and was inspired by Dr. King’s “I have a dream speech “ I’m glad that you enjoyed it.
Interesting that you would react to a Sam Cooke song now, since you've just started down the rabbit hole of listening to Journey... Sam Cooke was one of Steve Perry's biggest influences!
That was exactly what they were trying to say. OPEN YOUR EYES - didn't no one go down a bloody rabbit hole!!!!! I guess ignorance just simply will never go away until people start paying TRUE attention by READING, LISTENING, OPENING YOUR MIND AND HEART. RACISM COMES FROM BOTH SIDES AND ITS FUELED BY IGNORANCE AND INTOLERANCE BY BOTH SIDES.
Music is simply magic. I am 56 yrs old.....and spend too much time watching you, and other young reactors discovering the magic of my youth. The 70's music is in my opinion the best, but I love all genres and eras of music. What would we do without the amazing songs that take us back to the different seasons of our lives? I really can't imagine life without music.....You are doing a great job....keep enjoying...I love seeing someone appreciating the beauty we have been blessed with through the years...there is so many great songs and artists for you to discover !!!
First heard Mr. Cooke sing this in the 60's...heard it in the 70's, 80's, 90's and past 30 more years (am 68) and this song always grabs my soul and my gut and never fails to bring out some tears. I'm not black but am Mexican American and can relate.
This is a pretty deep song. It's amazing that a song like this came out 55-60 years ago and still remains relevant today. I'm usually more of a rock music fan, but when you go and listen to classic r&b and Motown, it draws you in. Could be the lyrics and the vocals or it could be the music. That's why artists like Sam, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye are so relatable many years after these songs were written
I was born in 1962 and have always loved Sam Cooke’s vocals. He was a pioneer in the music industry being one of, if not the first, Black artists to own his own record label and publishing rights; the white establishment wasn’t please with that. How’s label was called SAR as I recall.. It’s a tragedy he was tragically killed in December of 1964 in os Angelas California at the young age of only 33. I grew up in the times immediately following the civil rights legislation and the southern states reaction with violence against African Americans. Same Cook and Ray Charles and Jame Brown were the voice of the civil rights generation. Ray Charles and Sam Cooke are credited with the creation of what we now call “Soul” usic. They often took church melodies, mostly Gospel, and applied secular lyrics and a new art form was born. They received a lot of criticism for it at the time, but now their songs are legendary. Sam Cooke is my favorite of the male singer from the era. I’m happy a whole new generation is listening to his music. RIP Sam!
WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF MUSIC!! GREAT SINGERS WILL NEVER DIE BC THEIR STORYTELLING WILL LIVE ON!! NO DOUBT!! NOW YOUR LISTENING TO THE MAN, IT'S SO GOOD THAT IT WILL CURL YOUR NAILS!! LOVE THIS MAN, LOVE HIS SOUL & HEART. NOTHING BUT THE HEART!!
I first heard Sam Cooke in my mid teens in the 80s, and he's been my favourite singer ever since. Always will be. There is and never will be anyone better. And this song is truly an anthem that echoes down the years, always relevant.
You are blessed to hear this song, that he wrote. We all bow to Mr. Sam Cooke. This is an anthem. We all felt what you felt all those decades ago. And still do
Sam Cooke was a bit before my time but it is important to know that when this song happened he was very popular for his “pop” tunes. This was very different and his contribution to social commentary. This was a risk for him but it spoke directly to our people and said “I feel what you feel. Continue the struggle.”
‘You Send Me’, ‘Chain Gang’ are more of his very popular tunes 💖 Change is Gonna Come is my absolute favorite of Sam Cooke. Still feel so much heartbreak over his death, I have never gotten over Sam being gone RIP Song written in 1963 and Sam was murdered in 1964, this song became a big part of Civil Rights Movement & still carry’s on to present day where it is totally relevant 💔❤️🩹❣️ Sam & those who travelled with him lived through some pretty bad racism especially in south, he was murdered by some angry white guys who didn’t like his behaviour & I don’t think they were ever charged 💔 RIP Sam Cooke
its incredible how in 3 minutes a beautiful voice and truthful words can reach across 60 years to make me feel empathy and connection to another man's struggles while also forcing introspection about my own.
Sam Cooke had written mostly about parties and young love, because that was what really what ‘sold’ back then, especially to white audiences. This particular song was the first time he directly tackled civil injustice through song; he was inspired by Bob Dylan’s ‘Blowing in the wind.’ He said, “If a white man could stand up for equality through music, then why couldn’t he?”
Thank you for the information - I didn't realise Sam was inspired by Dylan but it makes sense since I guess Blowing in the Wind was one of the first protest songs to be a big mainstream hit record (IIRC). Sam's heartfelt message still stands up today and speaks to our hearts and minds today as the fight for justice and equality continues...
PaperCup You’re very welcome. And as sad as it is, that after all these the years, the fight for justice and equality still continues, this song will always represent the hope for a time when all men are free.
One of the best, most real song's ever written or sung. True masterpiece
Now you know why we called it soul music! It came from your soul deep inside!!!
Powerful message, even now 50 years later.
@Luce M excellent points!
AMEN
Sam Cooke was very active in the Civil rights struggle. He marched with MLK in the 60's
He started out singing with a famous gospel group the soul stirrers
I can't listen to this song without cry....I'm crying now.
💗💗💗
Gogglebox
Birmingham‼️
Has me in tears everytime!
Toby Ham Yep! Me too! I'm from Down Under and I'm white, however it always makes me cry, it's SO DEEP and beautiful! LOVE Sam Cooke's music! Take care and stay safe! From Australia.
Me.neither,even though I never experienced it,I feel for my brothers and hopefully our children can live in a world where skin color don't matter and we can uplift each other!
Everything that came out of his mouth was heaven sent. He is awesomeness.
He was singing this during the civil rights struggles of the '60s. I have this on my car is and listen to it often.
Yes, I was only a child then, but those songs were part of that struggle. Seemed like the whole country was struggling throughout the sixties. The Black Panthers, Eldridge Cleaver, Dr. King, Bobby Seale, and many others suffered and struggled back then. I'm glad they did.
He felt he wasn't doing enough through his music, there were people such as Bob Dylan, Joan Bias, and many other white singers who were singing about the oppression he and his people were experiencing but the people around him were telling black singers not to touch social conscious music, yet he was working on music to reflect what he was feeling. After the moment he, Cashus Clay, Malcolm X, and Jim Brown had what's now that famous conversation in the movie Regina King just directed recently. That spark him to finally do something about how he was feeling through his music publicly and not just writing about it privately. You should watch the various documentaries about him; especially The Two Killings of Sam Cooke...will blow your mind. Great details about his life and his music.
From what I remember, this was done in response to Bob Dylan’s “Blowing in the Wind.” Sam Cooke liked the song so much that he performed it himself. He felt that an African American artist should have done a song like “Blowing in the Wind,” and “A Change is Going to Come” was his contribution to the conversation.
Yup
That's true
This song means so much to all poor and oppressed people in the world of all colours.
What a ignorant comment
@Tay Made absolutely man, truth
You don’t have to be poor or oppressed for this song to be meaningful. It stand all on its own.
@@jennyhagemann9691 which comment are you referring to?
@Tay Made I think we could have a very interesting and depressing conversation about the treatment of Native Americans.
I grew up a Sam Cooke fan at the height of his career. I was listening the night of this song's world-wide debut on a Los Angeles radio station shortly after his death. I openly cried.
Sam Cooke left us a lot of legendary tunes despite him being taken so young
You Send Me. Does get any better than that.
He was just getting going
This came out during protest and MLKing it’s a wonderful beautiful song.Thank you for reacting to this song.
One of the best singers of all time. One of the earlier civil rights related songs of this era based on his own experiences with whites-only establishments in the South. I've had his greatest hits LP for decades. Most of his songs that I'm familiar have a pop/soul sound with his gospel upbringing shining through in his voice.
ooh my favourite song by Sam cook... Hem of his garment. Sam Cook Martin Luther King, Tried to fight the establishment Malcom X Mohammid Ali. All great men.
Sam was right. Back then no one thought we would ever see a black President. But change did come.
I'm reading these comments and everyone is on point. Much luv for keeping great artist like Cooke alive👏.
Even now listening to him again, I get the chills. You're right about how much pain he is able to convey. Amazing singer.
This song brings me to tears. I remember the pain during the 50's 60's & 70's. Still going on today.
OMG! This song ALWAYS GIVES ME instant goosebumps and I always end up with tears in my eyes! It's SO beautiful! I'm an old white lady from Down Under, however it NEVER fails to move me! Another amazing talent gone WAY too soon! I LOVE ALL if Sam Cooke's music! Chain gang is one of my favourites! Thankyou so much for reacting to this beautiful song! Please react to more of Sam's music! Greetings from Australia.
Sam and Otis were blessed with the most amazing and expressive voices...two of my absolute favorites.
That pair and Marvin make up the Holy Trinity of Soul for me.
A great performer and a voice that has his passion in it. It is a song about hope for a better life for African Americans.
Great singer & wonderful song, still so relevant today
This is an iconic song and it’s still so POWERFUL TODAY! This was n is about the segregation n racism in America!
Sam Cooke was such a treasure to our culture, his music still is.
I loved Sam Cooke’s voice, and I love’ A Change Is Gonna Come,’ it’s a beautiful melody and the lyrics are so meaningful.
I read that Sam Cooke heard Bob Dylan's 'Blowing in the Wind' (Sam did a cover version of this on a tv show -it's on TH-cam) and said that he wished he had written it. 'A Change is Gonna Come' was Sam Cooke's response. A song truly written and sung from the heart.
Yeah, I recommend that too. A fine interpretation of the classic.
Still every time i hear this song i cry from reminiscing
Sam Cooke was another artist taken from us way to soon,
You Send me
Chain Gang
Cupid
Twistin the Night Away
He should definitely do chain gang.
You can play anything by sam cooke and it'll be great
All great songs.
Bring it on home to me.
Just Another Day
Man, you need an entire Sam Cooke playlist - he was *far* from being a "one-hit wonder"!
Everything Sam put out was a hit including his gospel recordings
www.oldies.com/artist-songs/Sam-Cooke.html
I'm a child of the 50s and 60's.. this song still gives me that special feeling ..I truly get it.. like the old disc jockeys said. The best Cooke in Town.. we sadly missed out on his true potential but this song truly will grip you!
Almost 60 years since that first came out,,, and we are still waiting for that change. VOTE
It wasn't only USA he was loved in the UK his voice was so smooth.
You and Sam, BOTH, brought tears to my eyes - May we gain the strength of that, which we OVERCOME~! Love that song, and my heart is so very touched by your reaction...Cheers my friend...~!
RIP to Sam Cooke truly one of the great singers of the 20th century. Check out Bring it On Home to Me or Twistin’ the night away.
Everyone loved this man's music 🎶
Drop dead gorgeous and a genius .... There will never be another Sam Cooke
never!
TOTALLY AGREE!
POWERFUL!! This song hit so hard, the feels may have pain, but it also has hope as well. Hope that we all get to that change. Great song.
Sam’s death was one of the worst losses to music ever. He wrote his own songs. He was more of a 50s style artist who, with this song, was transitioning to be influenced by the 60s. It’s mind boggling to imagine how further blossoming of his soul music would have evolved into the 60s, 70s or even 80s!! If anyone was the black Elvis, it was Sam! But Elvis couldn’t write music.
This was inspired by the march on Washington
I agree to a point, but Jackie Wilson is called Black Elvis. Jackie had great vocals & moves like nobody. There’s some great footage of Jackie messing with Sam Cooke during a recording for a tv spot singing Cha Cha Cha. It’s a shame non of these great voices grew to be old. All gone much too soon.
Where do you think Elvis got his style? He loved black music!
For sure, but Elvis wasn’t just one style but a combo. He had was the embodiment of both worlds black & white. He had the flare of expression and the grace of soulfulness. He was a combo of Dean Martin & James Brown. Sam was similar in that way, pure showman and had a great mind for the business. He was looking beyond his own voice, he was creating a path for his own legacy similar to that of Berry Gordy of Motown. Elvis had a simpler plan, he just loved to perform & sing, had the Colonel running things to a point, sad he didn’t take more control of his legacy, even though he did pretty good. What’s comes to my mind is the tragedy of these amazing entertainers taken before they’re time.
@@68greenhornet Elvis and Sam Cooke both came out of the Mississippi Delta and gospel music born in the 1930's
Sam’s was a great loss to the world in so many ways
Thank you so much. This is what our people have been dealing with since being brought to this country they call, 'the land of the free & the home of the brave' America.
We as African people are never free in this foreign land.
Been held close to my heart since I was an 11 year old listening to Baltimore City radio oldies stations in the 80's. Same Cooke is one of the voices of my formation
I cry every time I hear this song.
My man Sam Cooke!
React to
Cupid
Having. A Party
Bring it on Home to me
You Send Me
Chain Gang
Just a few of his many solo hits. He started with gospel
group The Soul Stirrers who had multiple years of hits.
Yes! Great List!!
Great choices.
One of my favorite songs ever...beautiful.
Otis Redding 'I've Got Dreams to Remember' if you like this. Singers don't get better than Cooke and Redding, only different
Very good comparison.
Definitely have to do Otis
@Joseph Miller Sam wrote so many hits. His death was a huge,huge loss to all people everywhere!!!
Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Donny Hathaway and even Steve Perry some of the greatest voices of all time
I love me some Otis Redding!!
Sam & Elvis, my two favourite singer's!👍
This has been my lifetime struggle, I’m 65 now and been fighting all my life for equality for all humans. Thank you for sharing this as you admit you don’t know this song. Everyone must know especially young people .
There's about a dozen songs that make me cry everytime. A change is gonna come is one of them.
This is my favorite Sam Cooke song. Thank you James.
That is one song that'll grab you and pulls you in the first time!
and you never forget it! an emotion comes over you that you don't understand... but somehow you know what he's singing about! One of the greatest songs ever made!!
I think I was 8 when I first heard that song.. and it forever had me some 53 years later!
8 YEARS OLD!! A baby!
This is the guy Steve Perry from Journey idolized and wanted to sing like.
I'm a huge Journey fan. I never knew that but I can see the influence now!! Thanks for the info!! 😘
And Rod Stewart too. Sam Cooke is my favorite singer from the 60's.
Holy shit. How did I not notice that before. I can't not notice it now
@@adamhuett9128 yup.. once you hear it you cant unheard it 🤣 even in the way they bend their vowels.
Billie Holiday emulated Louis Armstrong.
Though Sam Cooke was before my time, I grew up listening to his music. My grandfather had LP vinyl albums and 8 track tapes of Sam Cooke's music.
Thank you so much, James, for your great reaction to this classic. I am an officer of the Sam Cooke Fan Club and have been actively involved in the group for over 16 years now. I also am the administrator of the Sam Cooke Fan Club page on FB and I am going to share a link to your video on our page because I know many of our members would really enjoy and appreciate your honest reaction.
Several books have been written on the life of Sam Cooke. His musical career started in the church and he obtained his first fame through singing in two gospel groups in the early 1950's. First one was the Highway QC's; the next one was the Soul Stirrers, which was perhaps the best known gospel group at that time. Sam replaced the lead singer, RH Harris, and he toured and recorded with the Stirrers for several years before he "Crossed Over" from gospel to secular music and began his career as a solo pop artist.
His hit records are too numerous to list here, but I suggest you take a listen to some of the following: "You Send Me" (his first solo pop which went all the way to #1 in 1957), "Wonderful World," "Chain Gang" (one of my favorites), "Cupid," "Bring It On Home To Me," "Another Saturday Night," and "Shake."
You wanted to know the background story to this song, so here you go: In the fall of 1963, Sam was on tour in the South. On October 7, 1963, he arrived in Shreveport, LA for a show the next night. He and his party had previously made reservations by telephone at the local Holiday Inn. When he arrived at the motel, the front desk clerk took one look at him and said there were no rooms available. Sam made a stink about it and the party eventually left in their cars to go to another hotel, honking the car horn on the way out of the parking lot. (Some people claim the car horn went off accidentally due to a mechanical issue, but family members confided in me that it was an intentional act on Sam's part.) By the time Sam reached the "black hotel" in Shreveport, the police arrived and arrested him and all the members of his party (including his wife) for disturbing the peace. He bailed out of jail and performed at the show the next night, but the experience left a deep impression on him. Remember also that the March on Washington had taken place on August 28, 1963 and the Birmingham church bombing which killed four little girls occurred on Sunday, September 15, 1963. So race relations and civil rights were pressing issues in the country and all these events were fresh in his mind.
Sam wrote "Change" over the next few weeks and he recorded it in the studio on Thursday, January 30, 1964. He only performed the song publicly on one occasion, and that was on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson on Friday, February 7, 1964 (which also happened to be the same day that The Beatles first arrived in New York City). Strangely, no one seems to have a tape of this performance. The first song Sam performed that night, "Basin Street Blues," does exist on film which makes this seem even more curious. I believe that the film of this performance will be found one day, perhaps in someone's garage.
"Change" is the one and only song of this type that Sam ever wrote. He had been inspired by Bob Dylan, (a white folk singer) who wrote and recorded "Blowin' In The Wind," another song you should give a listen to. Sam performed this song on several occasions. Sam had commented to friends at the time that it was the type of song a black man should have written, which I'm sure also gave him motivation and inspiration to write "Change."
Long post here but you wanted the background story on the song. It has been covered hundreds of times but there will never be anything close to the original. I could tell from your reaction that you felt this as well. I look forward to hearing other reactions you make of Sam's other hit records. Take care.
Don Piper
Secretary, Sam Cooke Fan Club
TroysPop/ spot on regarding Sam's reaction to "BLOWING IN THE WIND" and it was exactly what prompted Him to write "A CHANGE IS GONNA COME" which is understandable,given the circumstances.Cannot remember where I heard/or read,this information, [program? Album sleeve note?] but it certainly is a memorable quote,in view of inspiring Him to write "CHANGE.Another memory,where He recorded a song,using an assumed name, DALE? COOKE,but everyone knew it was Him,same situation as RAY CHARLES,[as mentioned in the movie, RAY] as many objected to taking the Gospel feel,sound,into commercial tunes.
Thank you
@Troyspops. Thank you for the History Lesson. Fascinating and it is what I read. I was introduced to this song via a friend who loved it after hearing it on the Film X starring Denzel Washington. She spent months trying to get this song and eventually managed to get it. That was my introduction to this classic. This friend and I had a falling out, sadly. I met her unexpectedly in St Maarten 2019 when we were on different cruise ships although we both live in the UK. Sadly she died last March 2020 from COVID19 but this song will always remind me of her.🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽😢😢😢😢
The pain and anguish sets in with the orchestra at 15 seconds. You feel it trigger the DNA! I can’t get to his first words without full tears.
If my memory serves me correctly, my grandmother said that this song was a response to how black entertainers were treated as they traveled performing.
Sam Cooke reaches in my chest and grabs my heart. This song is in my soul from when I was a child.
Summertime
Cupid
(What a) wonderful world
Bring it on home to me
Keep movin’ on
Thanks for reacting to my suggestion. I knew that this song would have an emotional impact on you. I was 17 when this song came and has remained my favorite song of his. Sam wrote this shortly after the Civil Rights March on Washington and was inspired by Dr. King’s “I have a dream speech “ I’m glad that you enjoyed it.
I have yet to hear a single sam cooke song that I didn't instantly love, his vocals and his soul are amazing
I loved your reaction! This song brings on much emotion. This song is still very relevant today ❤
One of the best voices ever love Sam cookes songs
I must play this track every week. This powerful song, by a handsome man with an awesome voice has got me through some tough times.
One of the great, great songs of the 60's!
Interesting that you would react to a Sam Cooke song now, since you've just started down the rabbit hole of listening to Journey... Sam Cooke was one of Steve Perry's biggest influences!
I didn’t know that, but I can certainly hear it.
That was exactly what they were trying to say. OPEN YOUR EYES - didn't no one go down a bloody rabbit hole!!!!!
I guess ignorance just simply will never go away until people start paying TRUE attention by READING, LISTENING, OPENING YOUR MIND AND HEART.
RACISM COMES FROM BOTH SIDES AND ITS FUELED BY IGNORANCE AND INTOLERANCE BY BOTH SIDES.
You get it young man. Keep doing what you're doing. It all makes a difference for change even today.
ThIs came out when I was a teenager, and it STILL touches me down to my soul. He was an amazing artist in his time; died very tragically.
Music is simply magic. I am 56 yrs old.....and spend too much time watching you, and other young reactors discovering the magic of my youth. The 70's music is in my opinion the best, but I love all genres and eras of music. What would we do without the amazing songs that take us back to the different seasons of our lives? I really can't imagine life without music.....You are doing a great job....keep enjoying...I love seeing someone appreciating the beauty we have been blessed with through the years...there is so many great songs and artists for you to discover !!!
First heard Mr. Cooke sing this in the 60's...heard it in the 70's, 80's, 90's and past 30 more years (am 68) and this song always grabs my soul and my gut and never fails to bring out some tears. I'm not black but am Mexican American and can relate.
San Cooke is awesome. All party's should start with "Twistin the Night Away". He is soul and oooooh yes u feel his emotion....amazing artist!!!!!
Sam Cooke is a Legend. Literally anything from him is great. Cannot go wrong.
teach the babies...teach the babies...i absolutely love when young people discover all this great music...love it !
This is a pretty deep song. It's amazing that a song like this came out 55-60 years ago and still remains relevant today. I'm usually more of a rock music fan, but when you go and listen to classic r&b and Motown, it draws you in. Could be the lyrics and the vocals or it could be the music. That's why artists like Sam, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye are so relatable many years after these songs were written
I was born in 1962 and have always loved Sam Cooke’s vocals. He was a pioneer in the music industry being one of, if not the first, Black artists to own his own record label and publishing rights; the white establishment wasn’t please with that. How’s label was called SAR as I recall.. It’s a tragedy he was tragically killed in December of 1964 in os Angelas California at the young age of only 33. I grew up in the times immediately following the civil rights legislation and the southern states reaction with violence against African Americans. Same Cook and Ray Charles and Jame Brown were the voice of the civil rights generation. Ray Charles and Sam Cooke are credited with the creation of what we now call “Soul” usic. They often took church melodies, mostly Gospel, and applied secular lyrics and a new art form was born. They received a lot of criticism for it at the time, but now their songs are legendary. Sam Cooke is my favorite of the male singer from the era. I’m happy a whole new generation is listening to his music. RIP Sam!
My Dad loved Sam Cooke.
What a voice.
What a song!
This song always, always tears my heart up, and none better than Sam Cook. RIP
Boogied in my crib to this beautiful voice. My mom went into mourning when he died. Much love from fiery Washington State
am so glad you listened to this. I know change is gonna come, we are all working for that. This is a painful song and a truthful song.
Goosebumps from the first note!!
WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF MUSIC!! GREAT SINGERS WILL NEVER DIE BC THEIR STORYTELLING WILL LIVE ON!! NO DOUBT!!
NOW YOUR LISTENING TO THE MAN, IT'S SO GOOD THAT IT WILL CURL YOUR NAILS!!
LOVE THIS MAN, LOVE HIS SOUL & HEART.
NOTHING BUT THE HEART!!
The musicianship was just grand back then...simply beautiful ❤️
So emotional…so meaningful…so important!
Have always loved him. His voice is pure. Gone far too soon.
He has quite a few great songs, amazing voice and songwriter
I first heard Sam Cooke in my mid teens in the 80s, and he's been my favourite singer ever since. Always will be. There is and never will be anyone better. And this song is truly an anthem that echoes down the years, always relevant.
You are blessed to hear this song, that he wrote. We all bow to Mr. Sam Cooke. This is an anthem. We all felt what you felt all those decades ago. And still do
Sam Cooke one of the greatest of all time! It’s good to see the next generations appreciate Masterpieces!!!
More more more more absolutely adore Sam's music and I'm only 23
Sam Cooke was a bit before my time but it is important to know that when this song happened he was very popular for his “pop” tunes. This was very different and his contribution to social commentary. This was a risk for him but it spoke directly to our people and said “I feel what you feel. Continue the struggle.”
‘You Send Me’, ‘Chain Gang’ are more of his very popular tunes 💖 Change is Gonna Come is my absolute favorite of Sam Cooke. Still feel so much heartbreak over his death, I have never gotten over Sam being gone RIP
Song written in 1963 and Sam was murdered in 1964, this song became a big part of Civil Rights Movement & still carry’s on to present day where it is totally relevant 💔❤️🩹❣️ Sam & those who travelled with him lived through some pretty bad racism especially in south, he was murdered by some angry white guys who didn’t like his behaviour & I don’t think they were ever charged
💔 RIP Sam Cooke
The late, great Sam Cooke. What a wonderful voice. Thanks for playing him, I haven't listened to him in a while, and always loved him.
Steve Perry, of Journey admits he loves Sam Cooke so much, he “borrowed” his voice. Once you listen to Steve, you’ll always hear Sam☺️❤️
gives you chills every song he sings.
I feel what you’re feeling every time I listen to this song.
You are a very intuitive black man . How you manage to tap into Sam's lyrics is incredible and inspiring . keep your mind open bro.
One of my favorite voices of all time.
One of my all time favorites. With his voice and talent, he could have sang any genre of music with success.
its incredible how in 3 minutes a beautiful voice and truthful words can reach across 60 years to make me feel empathy and connection to another man's struggles while also forcing introspection about my own.
Beautifully said👍
All of his music is excellent! He was blessed with the gift of singing .
You know the pain in his vocals the man saw things right smack dab in the middle of the civil rights movement.....amazingly performed!!!!
Sam Cooke had written mostly about parties and young love, because that was what really what ‘sold’ back then, especially to white audiences.
This particular song was the first time he directly tackled civil injustice through song; he was inspired by Bob Dylan’s ‘Blowing in the wind.’ He said, “If a white man could stand up for equality through music, then why couldn’t he?”
Thank you for the information - I didn't realise Sam was inspired by Dylan but it makes sense since I guess Blowing in the Wind was one of the first protest songs to be a big mainstream hit record (IIRC). Sam's heartfelt message still stands up today and speaks to our hearts and minds today as the fight for justice and equality continues...
PaperCup You’re very welcome. And as sad as it is, that after all these the years, the fight for justice and equality still continues, this song will always represent the hope for a time when all men are free.
I love Sam Cooke. His music reminds me of my dad taking me to school as a kid. My dad could barely speak English but he loved his voice.
it gives me chills... I pray a change is gonna come!!
Thank you Brother for your honest reaction to this song.
Sam Cooke is legendary and wrote so many beautiful songs!! This song is beautiful 🔥💜🔥
Is it weird that this song makes me happy and confident that a change gonna come! Helps me carry on LMAO 🤣